"You must know nothing before you can learn something, and be empty before you can be filled. Is not the emptiness of the bowl what makes it useful? As for laws, a parrot can repeat them word for word. Their spirit is something else again. As for governing, one must first be lowest before being highest."

3 likes

Source: Lloyd Alexander (2013). “The Chronicles of Prydain”, p.332, Macmillan

About the author

Lloyd Alexander

Author

Lloyd Alexander was an American author known for his fantasy series 'The Chronicles of Prydain,' which explores themes of bravery and friendship.

All quotes by Lloyd Alexander →

Same author

More quotes by Lloyd Alexander

See all →

"Using the device of an imaginary world allows me in some strange way to go to the central issues - it's one of many ways to express feelings about real people, about real human relationships."

Read quote

"Craftsmanship isn't like water in an earthen pot, to be taken out by the dipperful until it's empty. No, the more drawn out the more remains."

Read quote

"He [the cat] liked to peep into the refrigerator and risk having his head shut in by the closing door. He also climbed to the top of the stove, discontinuing the practice after he singed his tail."

Read quote